Coffee's stats from the 2009 season, including two starts due to an injury to Frank Gore, were not impressive. He managed just 226 yards and a touchdown on 83 carries, for 2.7 YPC. Coffee added 15 pounds during the offseason to better suit his running style, but he'll face a competition from bruising rookie Anthony Dixon for the backup running back job.

2009

Coffee ran for 1,383 yards with a 5.9 YPC mark and 10 touchdowns last year at Alabama, and the 49ers happily selected him in the middle of the third round. He had the benefit of running behind one of the best offensive lines in college football, but San Francisco likely envisions him immediately becoming Frank Gore’s backup. The team has stated its desire to lessen Gore’s workload, so Coffee should get ample carries during his rookie season if he proves worthy. Gore owners should target him as insurance.